Therapies... - Acupuncture - Typical Session(s)

Your acupuncturist will first sit down with you and discuss both the ailment/condition at hand and various life factors such as eating and drinking habits, bowel regularity, emotional dynamics, menstruation (if applicable), seasonal changes, sleeping patterns, and when and where the ailment/condition occurs. He or she will focus on detecting imbalance(s) in your body and seek to restore balance through the use of acupuncture, acupressure, dietary changes, herbal medicine, and massage. Your acupuncturist will also spend some time listening to your pulse along the twelve major meridians and your tongue will be checked for texture, colour, size, and moisture levels. These observations help personalize the healing approach.

Acupuncture needles are inserted to a depth of 0.25 to 3 centimetres (¹/₈ to 1¹/₄ inches), depending on a number of factors including your body size and the goals of influencing qi. The needles will be left in place for several seconds to one hour, with an average time of twenty minutes. In addition to inserting needles, he or she may twirl the needle when in place, provide electric stimulation (electroacupuncture), or use heat lamps to increase stimulation.

Your acupuncturist should examine the needles after use to ensure the entire unit has been removed from the body. In some cases, the tip may be left behind and, if unintentional, should be removed. Circular-tipped needles are used for prolonged stimulation.

For more information on needle safety, see "Needle Know-How" under Contraindications ..., below.

The number of treatments varies according to the condition and individual response. Typical visits occur once a week for several months, followed by a monthly "maintenance" visit. In some cases, one visit may be enough. Chronic conditions may require one to two treatments weekly for several months.